AHEAD OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLASH: Mikel: Chelsea spirit is high

Mikel Obi has said the great Chelsea spirit in the weekend’s derby win will lift them in Tuesday’s Champions League tie at Shakhtar Donetsk.

Chelsea halted a poor run at White Hart Lane since August 2005 to beat London rivals Tottenham 4-2 on Saturday and consolidate their leadership of the English Premier League.

Chelsea are now on 22 points from eight matches, four points clear of closest rivals Manchester United and Manchester City. Mikel told MTNFootball.com his club were driven to win.

“It was a tough and interesting game as we expected and we deserved to win it,” Mikel said. “The team spirit was very high and that was why we were able to win the match. Even when we were down, we still kept fighting on until we secured victory. It was a great display and I believe we will keep it up.

“This is a nice one ahead of our Champions League game against Shakhtar Donetsk.” Mikel posted a five-star display and even ventured forward in a more offensive role for the European champions. His compatriot Victor Moses was an unused substitute for Chelsea.